By Samantha Marks, Rise Development Manager

Just like you and me, Jason Hyland is preparing for the hustle and bustle of the “most wonderful time of the year.” Not only is he searching for those perfect gifts for his fiancé and two young children, if you are an Amazon shopper, Jason is also ensuring that you get your special purchases for your loved ones in time for the holidays as well.

Jason started at the Amazon distribution center in Shakopee in 2016, the first week it opened. He credits his previous work experience as a critical spring board for where his career journey has taken him.

Eight years prior, Jason started his career path on a Rise supported employment team at Harvest Hills Beverage Company in Elk River. Once he became comfortable and gained confidence in his abilities, Jason began job searching.

Compiling the vocational skills he had acquired at Rise with additional computer tech support training from Hennepin Technical College, Jason was proud to have landed a job at the largest company in the world, all on his own.

Starting as an order picker, then a packer, onto leadership, and now working as an ambassador, Amazon has given Jason many opportunities to advance and grow in his career.

His supervisors are continuously impressed by Jason’s time management, dependability and problem-solving skills. Their trust in him has only further solidified Jason’s confidence in himself.

“Jason has shown so much growth in his vocational abilities, and his self-esteem has developed along with it,” said Sue Featherly, Jason’s Rise follow-up specialist who continues to meet with him twice a month.

In his current ambassador role, he is responsible for training in new employees and attending weekly status updates and annual trainings to bring back work process updates to his co-workers.

“I enjoy training others,” Jason stated. “I like watching others develop their skills and go on to be successful.”

His supervisors also placed him on their “away team.” Earlier this year, Jason was flown out to Rialto, California for a week to train in employees at a new Amazon distribution center opening there.

Typically working four ten-hour days, Jason’s hours are currently increased to five eleven-hour days due to the high demand during the holiday season, and the necessity to get your purchases on your door step just in time!

Jason is looking forward to spending the holidays with his fiancé, who has also received Rise services, and their 6- and 8-year-old boys.

“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Sue’s support. I hope her supervisors know what a great job she does and that they treat her as well as mine treat me!”

Rest assured Jason, we appreciate Sue’s tireless efforts to support others just as much as you do! In fact, we celebrated 30th years of her commitment to our community this past year.

This article appears in the December 2019 issue of the Rise Reporter.